FSU looking to offset losses of key players from national title squad as spring football begins

Seminoles are trying to repeat as national champions

March 18, 2014|By Brendan Sonnone, Orlando Sentinel

TALLAHASSEE — Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher, with confetti raining down on him and tears in his eyes, proudly lifted the national championship Coaches' Trophy above his ahead.

It is a quintessential image from FSU's 34-31 victory against Auburn in the BCS National Championship Game.

The moment occurred a little more than two months ago. While FSU's football program is still abuzz from its undefeated championship season, Fisher is pushing for his players to move on and focus on the future.

The Seminoles return 15 starters, including Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston, and thus have high expectations. But with those expectations comes added pressure. FSU has to replace some key players and has plenty of questions to solve this spring.

FSU start spring practice Wednesday with the hope laying the groundwork for another championship season. Here are five storylines to watch during the spring.

• 1. Moving targets

Winston's favorite target in the second half of the season — Kelvin Benjamin — is headed for the NFL. Dependable slot receiver Kenny Shaw is also gone. Benjamin and Shaw accounted for nearly 44 percent of FSU's receiving yards. The Seminoles return leading receiver Rashad Greene (1,128 yards) and tight end Nick O'Leary (557 yards, 7 TDs), but will be hard-pressed to find someone as physically dominant as the 6-foot-5, 230-pound Benjamin. FSU will closely monitor the progress freshmen Levonte "Kermit" Whitfield, Jesus "Bobo" Wilson and Isaiah Jones. Jarred "Scooter" Haggins, an explosive but relatively unproven senior who missed last season with a knee injury, could be a factor in the rotation.

• 2. A new heart and soul

FSU's defense finished No. 1 in the country in several major statistical categories last season, and senior stalwarts like defensive back Lamarcus Joyner and linebacker Telvin Smith were a big reason for the success. The Seminoles lose four senior starters on defense, but Joyner and Smith were exceptionally valuable. Part of Fisher's first recruiting class, Joyner and Smith were unquestioned leaders in the locker room and are largely credited for keeping younger FSU players focused throughout a season full of distractions. The Seminoles need younger starters like linebacker Terrance Smith and defensive back Jalen Ramsey to step up as vocal leaders on defense.

• 3. Revamped running backs

Devonta Freeman (1,016 rushing yards) was the first FSU back to eclipse 1,000 yards in a season since Warrick Dunn in the 1996. The reliable runner declared for the NFL after his junior year, along with short-yardage specialist James Wilder Jr. FSU needs junior Karlos Williams to assert himself this spring. Williams moved to running back a week into the season and never looked back, rushing 730 yards and 11 touchdowns on 91 carries. Now Williams needs to prove he can handle the punishment that comes with being an every-down back. FSU also is searching for suitable backups. Speedsters Mario Pender and Ryan Green have garnered praise from Fisher. Big things are expected from incoming freshman Dalvin Cook, but he will miss spring practice with a shoulder injury.

• 4. Reinforcing the trenches

Finding a replacement for dominant defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan — a likely first-round selection in May's NFL Draft — is no easy task. Nile Lawrence-Stample and Desmond Hollin are likely to receive the majority of the starting reps this spring. Hollin has received high marks for his work this offseason and now weighs 290 pounds, up 20 pounds from last season.

• 5. Backing up Winston

It will be interesting to see how FSU reserve quarterbacks Sean Maguire and John Franklin progress. Maguire looked good in limited playing time last year and will likely benefit from more practice time. Franklin has been rumored to be a candidate to switch positions because of his athleticism, so it will be important for him to display the consistent physical tools to remain at quarterback.